About Us
NorQuim is a new Technological Complex located in Mejillones, Antofagasta Region, Chile, designed according to principles of sustainability and circular economy.
Its purpose is the local production of essential inputs –such as soda ash, calcium chloride and lime— for greener and more sustainable processes in the lithium and copper industries, as well as e-Methanol, a clean fuel that contributes to reducing emissions globally.
At NorQuim, we are convinced that modern chemistry, applied with innovation, responsibility, and a strong local commitment, is a tool for building the future.
TECHNOLOGICAL COMPLEX
NORQUIM
The NorQuim Technological Complex comprises two plants, each with a specific purpose and both designed under the principles of the green and circular economy: the Strategic Inputs Plant and the e-Methanol Plant. Each plant has its own Environmental Impact Study (EIA), both of which were submitted to Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA) in 2026.
PRODUCTS
Na2CO3
SODA
ASH
Also known as sodium carbonate, soda ash is a key supply for producing lithium from brines. When added to these solutions, it causes lithium to precipitate as lithium carbonate, an essential compound for manufacturing rechargeable batteries.
CaO LIME
Obtained from limestone, lime is a reagent widely used in mining. It is used to neutralize acids, control pH, and remove heavy metals. In copper mining, it enables ore concentration, while in lithium production it is used to purify the material that is later converted into lithium hydroxide, a component used in batteries.
CaCl2
CALCIUM
CHLORIDE
A white, crystalline salt with a wide range of industrial applications. In mining, it plays a key role in chloride leaching of copper, a method that makes it possible to process low-grade ores. It also reduces the amount of acid required, making the process more efficient.
CH3OH E-METHANOL
A low-carbon intensity fuel produced by combining green hydrogen and biogenic CO₂. It can be used as an alternative fuel in shipping and as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuels, helping reduce emissions. It can also serve as a precursor for other low-carbon fuels, broadening the options available for the energy transition.
DEVELOPMENT PHASES
The development of the Complex begins with the Strategic Imputs Plant , followed by the e-Methanol Plant. This sequence responds to technical, engineering, and market-maturity considerations, enabling orderly progress while preserving the unity of the Complex and its long-term vision.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
NorQuim understands that the value of its project must be felt in people’s everyday lives.
For this reason, NorQuim is committed to strengthening education, employment and local development, in partnership with educational institutions and local stakeholders.
Employment
Construction of the project will generate up to 3,200 jobs, while its operation will create 400 direct and indirect positions.
The goal is for a large share of this workforce to come from Mejillones and surrounding areas, with the preparation needed to join the new green industries.
Education and Skills Development
In this context, NorQuim is developing the Education and Skills Development Program for Young People in Mejillones (PEC, Spanish acronym) , aimed at preparing young people from Mejillones to join the new industries of the future. The program includes career guidance talks, along with other training activities designed to provide concrete development tools within the local area.
ENVIRONMENT
The Technological Complex has been designed with concrete environmental commitments:
Water
- The project does not contemplate the use of continental water or the direct use of seawater.
- It contemplates the reuse of water from other industrial activities, which will be treated and incorporated into production processes.
- No discharge into the ocean: the Complex will operate with a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system.
ENERGY
- Coal-free energy system.
- Use of renewable energy and biomass (including wood pellets and tire derived fuel under Chile’s Extended Producer Responsibility Law).
- Use of natural gas in certain processes.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
- 100% utilization of the limestone: the coarse fraction in lime kilns and the fine fraction in copper and lithium processes.
- Discarded salts from the lithium industry, such as residual sodium chloride, will be reused in the process.
- The CO₂ from the Strategic Supplies Plant will be captured and used to produce e-Methanol.
01
Contribute to the development of Mejillones as a green industry hub
Consolidating the area as a benchmark in circular economy.
02
Revitalize port activity
Optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and boosting the local and regional economy.
03
Develop talent and reskill the workforce
In partnership with higher education institutions in the region, with a focus on young people from Mejillones.
04
Contribute to Chile’s energy transition
Through the production of e-Methanol and other clean technologies aligned with national goals.
05
Support lithium and copper mining
Securing key supplies for more efficient and environmentally responsible processes.
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